Rotherhithe Bridge

Vision

The Rotherhithe Bridge opens a new chapter in the life of the River Thames and the City of London. The proposed bridge will connect south east London to the docklands peninsular and make sustainable transport a life changing option for thousands of commuters.

Sustrans and the reForm / Elliott Wood team have independently explored the viability of a bridge connecting Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf for several years, and recently joined forces to identify the constraints and progress the project.

Based on an initial design concept by Nik Randall, reForm Architects has worked in partnership with Elliott Wood engineers to develop initial proposals for the longest bascule opening bridge in the world.

The central span supported by cables from raked masts forms a double wishbone-like structure which, with the help of hydraulic rams, pivots to allow tall ships to pass.

The Rotherhithe Bridge has a unique design; its elegant and sleek form provides both a cost efficient solution to congestion and adds another landmark to one of the world’s greatest cities.

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Team

reForm Architects’ international team combines experience, commitment and innovation to offer a diverse range of clients a highly professional design led service.

“The Thames is one of the world’s great rivers, and London is one of the world’s great cities. Any new bridge across the Thames must respond to the significance of its setting, and add to its culture and heritage.

Our design will do this, creating an internationally recognisable landmark. Its unique and elegant form and operation will become an attraction for visitors. It will enhance the views along and across the Thames, providing scale and interest in the way that the ships on the river itself do.”

Over the last 20 years Elliott Wood has developed a reputation for delivering high quality, award winning, structural and civil engineering solutions. Creativity and innovation are at the core of our approach.

“This is a hugely complex engineering challenge that we are delighted to be involved with. This bridge is fitting for such a significant location and would deliver tremendous benefits for Londoners. Not only in improving connectivity between the currently underserved area of Rotherhithe and the north bank of the river, but by offering pedestrians and cyclists a dedicated crossing that is safe and enjoyable to use.”

Gary Elliott of Elliott Wood Engineers

Interview with Gary Elliott and Nik Randall for London Live

Arup Cost Management have worked within the team to develop a robust cost model based on established market data.

Sustrans led the feasibility study and commissioned the reForm / Elliott Wood team to deliver the design work in support of the study.

Collaborators

Support

The reForm / Elliott Wood team is now seeking private funding to help deliver the next phase of the project. To pledge your support please get in contact.

What people are saying...

Richard de Cani, TfL’s Managing Director for Planning said:

“As London’s population grows towards 10 million people, we need a number of new river crossings to improve connectivity and reduce congestion on existing road and rail services. A new pedestrian and cycle crossing between the Isle of Dogs and Rotherhithe and Canada Water would encourage more people to walk and cycle to Canary Wharf, improving access to amenities and jobs and providing an alternative to the Jubilee line for shorter trips”

Isabel Dedring, Deputy Mayor for Transport said:

“More than a third of London’s expected population growth is expected to happen in East London and we urgently need more crossings – for all types of transport users. So we are delighted to be able to offer this funding to help progress the proposed cycling and walking bridge.”

“… I have also persuaded government to take seriously the proposal for a new pedestrian and cycle bridge between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf. For the growing number of cyclists and pedestrians, this will shorten and improve the journey between north and south bank, downstream of Tower Bridge …”

Dec 14 – HM Treasury “National Infrastructure Plan 2014”

“An interesting proposal and worth looking at in more detail, would be a new pedestrian and cycle bridge from Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf”

Dec 14 – British Land proposals “Canada Water Masterplan”

“British Land are aware of a range of other aspirations for transport upgrades being discussed in the area and will work with the promoters of these as more detail comes forward. Some of these include: aspirations for a cycle and pedestrian bridge from Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf”